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Polly Castor

Fostering a new renaissance through creativity, authenticity, spirituality, and art

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Polly Castor

I work to amplify good wherever I find it. I love color, texture, beauty, great ideas, nature, metaphor, deliciousness, genuine spirituality, and exploring new territory. I encourage authenticity, nurture creativity, champion sustainability, promote peace, and hope to foster a new renaissance where we all are free to be our most fulfilled, multifaceted, and terrific selves. Read more here.

Seven Blunders of the World that Lead to Violence (Mahatma Gandhi quote)

August 4, 2024August 4, 2024 by Polly Castor
Seven blunders of the World which cause violence (Mahatma Gandhi quote)

Here’s how to avoid problems…

Categories Ideas Tags life lessons, Quotes, Spiritual Healing 1 Comment

Homemade Salmon Burgers

August 3, 2024August 3, 2024 by Polly Castor
Salmon burger recipe

These burgers are delicious and not hard to make.

Categories Food Tags Main Dish, Recipes, seafood 3 Comments

Striving to Enter In (New Abstraction in Pastel)

August 2, 2024August 2, 2024 by Polly Castor
Striving to Enter In (pastel) by Polly Castor

Are you striving to enter in?

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, pastel, spirituality and art Leave a comment

The Last Chinese Chef (Book Review)

August 1, 2024 by Polly Castor
The Last Chinese Chef book review

I give it a breezy 5 stars; I slurped it up and licked the plate.

Categories Books, Food Tags 5 Star Books, Book Reviews, Fiction Leave a comment

Bits and Clips for July 2024

July 31, 2024 by Polly Castor
Bits and Clips for July 2024

I hope you find something among all this artwork, photography, memes, links, and quotes that spurs you on, inspires, supports, educates, or motivates you

Categories Ideas Tags Bits and Clips, Memes, painting by others, Quotes 4 Comments

Awake to the Truth (New Abstract Painting in Pastel)

July 30, 2024July 30, 2024 by Polly Castor
Awake to the Truth, pastel by Polly Castor

What does it look like to awake to the Truth?

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, creativity, metaphor, pastel 1 Comment

The Work of Happiness (poem by May Sarton)

July 29, 2024July 29, 2024 by Polly Castor
The Work of Happiness, poem by May Sarton

For what is happiness but growth in peace…

Categories Poetry Tags happiness, poetry by others Leave a comment

How is Your Heart? (Quote by Omid Safi)

July 28, 2024 by Polly Castor
How is your heart quote

Tell me you remember you are still a human being, not just a human doing.

Categories Ideas Tags life lessons, Mindfulness, Quotes, Release, Virtue 1 Comment

Cluny Brown (Book Review)

July 27, 2024July 27, 2024 by Polly Castor
Cluny Brown book Review

You too may enjoy this delightful, witty, entertaining coming of age novel, with its subtle insights on social class, changing times, and human character.

Categories Books Tags 5 stars, Book Reviews, Fiction Leave a comment

Asian Smashed Cucumber Salad (Recipe)

July 26, 2024 by Polly Castor
Asian Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe

This is exceptionally delicious, and we’d be happy to eat a lot of it.

Categories Food Tags Recipes, Salads, Side Dish 2 Comments

Giverny (New Large Abstract Landscape in OIl)

July 25, 2024July 25, 2024 by Polly Castor
Giverny, oil painting by Polly Castor

I am pretty pleased with it, since after all that work, it did come out as I envisioned.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Abstract Landscapes, Oil Painting, water photography 3 Comments

Why I Should Hike Every Day No Matter What (Poem by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer)

July 24, 2024July 24, 2024 by Polly Castor
Why I should hike everyday poem

I long to find myself mid-hustle still linked to the gurgling stream, its waters so cold I can’t help but gasp.

Categories Poetry Tags Nature, poetry by others, Release 2 Comments

Two New Collages on Panels

July 23, 2024July 23, 2024 by Polly Castor
Where the Octopus Lives, collage by Polly Castor

Which one do you like best?

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Collage 3 Comments

Plum, Cherry and Fig Salad (Recipe)

July 22, 2024July 22, 2024 by Polly Castor
Plum, Cherry and Fig Salad Recipe

This is refreshingly different and deliciously welcome.

Categories Food Tags Recipes, Salads, Side Dish 1 Comment

Struggling: Up to or Out from ? (Deep Think #26)

August 16, 2024July 21, 2024 by Polly Castor
Struggling: up to or out from, deep think by Polly Castor

Basically the choice is struggling to get something or accepting that spiritually you already have everything you need.

Categories Spirituality Tags Deep Think, Essay, life lessons, Release 2 Comments

Keep Your Paintings Simple (Lewis Nobel Quote)

May 17, 2025July 20, 2024 by Polly Castor
Keep your paintings simple quote

So keep it simple, enjoy your painting, and don’t fight with it.

Categories Art Tags Plein Air painting, Quotes 5 Comments

The River We Remember (Book Review)

July 19, 2024July 19, 2024 by Polly Castor
The River We Remember book review

If you like a who-done-it that rings more about the people, place, and time than anything else, you might like this book.

Categories Books Tags 4 Star books, Book Reviews, Fiction 2 Comments
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Reviews from Readers

Lovely Polly! You are an inspiration! I am so happy to have your blog in my life!

Quite unforgettable. You truly have a way with words:warm; strong; inviting; enlightening; so substantive, and more.

Oh how I love this! Thank you, thank you!

I look forward to your messages each day, like a delightful gift to unwrap.

Wow! Love the abundance of exotic shapes and colours in the Autumn sunshine!

Your poem feels like a lesson, a treatment, and a love letter all rolled into one perfect package.
Thank you, Polly.

The colors are exquisite!!! Thanks for bringing so much beauty into our lives.

This blog is upbeat, progressive, sincere, colorful, metaphoric, and exploratory. Such a rich feast!

That definitely sounds like a book I’d like to read! Thanks Polly!

Excellent. Thank you for sharing this welcome thought to redirect today’s thinking.
I am grateful for this blog.

I love this poem, Polly, and I shall read it often! I feel sure it will help lift my thought to healing.

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

I am so happy to have found your site and to be able to enjoy your expression of Spirit! Love your poetry, your photos, your ideas, your …YOU! THANK you for sharing so abundantly!

Such a complete radiance of Soul you are demonstrating. I find it very inspiring!

How blessed we are to have someone like you on this Earth.

Thank you Polly for this article on supply! I cherish the healing thoughts therein very much, and they are very helpful.

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

So beautiful, Polly. Thank you for spelling out – through such artful means – the beauty of patience.

I’m so grateful for all you share with us.

Oh yum, Polly… These gorgeous photos made my mouth water and my eyes pop!

What an incredible blessing and inspiration you are. Thank you so much for your beautiful heart!

I love that you live such an active life, have so many interests, and share your insights with me. Your blog is like a conversation with a dear friend.

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

Loved your plein air painting, the pictures of the garden plenty — oh wow. Love opening your blog each day — it is a treat that I save sometimes.

Your blog captures a life well lived, constantly imparting good– truth, health and happiness– including beauty, harmony, art, science to the world.

Thank you for the insight. Especially separating church from a building or denomination. The passion and joy of color in your paintings is marvelous.

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

You show us how God’s love shines in all things. You are a blessing!

You brighten my life with your thoughts, views, words, pictures….

How blessed we are to have someone like you on this Earth.

I am so grateful for your generous sharing of ideas across so many different fields! Your colorful art, your beautiful photography, your tasty looking and well presented dishes, your uplifting ideas, your insightful book reviews, and your wonderful healing work! You truly are a polymath!! I so look forward to your daily offerings and rejoice in them all.

I must find the higher spiritual path that nature often helps me see. Thank you for this beautiful poem.

I did your 52 books challenge, and loved the structure that it provided to my selections. Doing it again this year too!

Amazing, Polly! A wonderful example of seeing the possibilities…creativity at its best.

I have been blessed beyond words by your daily posts. I often quote you to others, saying I got the idea from a wonderful friend I’ve never actually met.

Polly, you have such a great feel for things. I will enjoy you forever.

Your blog has inspired me to get back into painting, cooking, prayer and meditation.

This is a beautiful summary and reminder of how we can both individually and collectively dissolve the powerless, baseless lies with Truth. Thank you, Polly!!

I salute you! And I sure do thank you for inspiring me to greater efforts along all lines of life!

The phrase ‘divine choreography’ is resonating with me. Bless you for sharing your inspiration with us all.

Wow, super powerful and definitely what I needed to hear today.

I loved this book, Polly. Thank you so much for the recommendation.

Polly, you are a whiz at living life the way it’s meant to be. I’m fascinated by all you do!

When I open my email in the morning I read all the have-to emails first; I save yours to read as dessert. Thanks, Polly!

Thank you for the joy you share. I look forward to reading your posts!

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

Oh so beautiful! I keep coming back to look at the paintings again.

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

Let’s all have a productive day and be joyful!

This poem is what I needed to further focus on moving out of the fear of COVID.❤️

Polly, I needed you today and there you were and it was enough. Thank you for being a motivator.

A wonderful poem Polly! Thank you. Deeply nourishing….

I did your tomato tart a few days ago, and it was fabulous! I am vegetarian and look for meals I can make that have lots of flavor. Your tart was just perfect!

Polly….I’m happier because of you; I sure do thank you.

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

Thank you for sharing this.
Strange, nothing surprising here.
You are who you are.

LOVE it. Made me smile while I was reading it.

With its awesome art, recipes, book reviews, and really excellent writing, this blog is the perfect corner of the internet.

I read and feel the security of the hearth and home. Many thanks…

Just a wonderland of possibilities and ideas and the materials to explore and discover. What a beautiful, exciting place! I’ve taken all this glory into my heart today and am grateful for it.

Deep and encompassing. Passionate and motherly. Loving and expansive. The photos speak volumes too…and I see the connections with the poem perfectly.

I appreciate the joy, inspiration, and great information you provide us in your blogs.

What lovely Soul-inspired insights! Thank you for these great ideas!

What a delight to experience the beauty of nature you shared of your slice of the world through these beautiful photos.

I find the ideas you share on your blog very encouraging in having a sense of order when it comes to goals and priorities.

Gorgeous new work. I love the vitality of the city scenes and vibrant color palette.

I am simply amazed at the wealth of beauty, soul, and experience. Love it. Love you! Thank You for sharing your innermost so openly.

I never before found computers this beautiful….

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

I feel the joy and love of the color and thought in all your work! You are letting your light shine.

You capture so vividly the beauty of nature. Thank you for bringing such beauty into my every day.

A wonderful poem Polly! Thank you. Deeply nourishing…. like a bird, natural and beautiful, just singing out truth in her special song on a fine winter morning.

Thank you very much, Polly. You are a bright light!

Polly, thanks for “amplifying good”. That’s what you really do!

Yes, lots of good flavor triggers in there. I printed it out and will try it. Thanks so much!

Your reading challenge has inspired me and given me permission to read again, as previously I had just fitted reading round everything else. Now it is a legitimate activity in my life and I am enjoying it immensely!

Polly! I love this poem! Letting our true, authentic self come forth! Yes!! Thank you for all the delightful imagery!

Polly, I’m grateful for you, your prayerful work, your blog, your art, photos, words and colors.

Oh my goodness Polly, this is absolutely magnificent and reaches so far deep into my soul.

I’m grateful for you opening my eyes to the wonders that surround us.

Thank you, Polly, for bringing clarity to the stressful events we’re experiencing. Your insights are thought-provoking and inspirational. I’m very thankful for your blog.

Yes, healing does happen when we deeply and humbly pray. Thanks for keeping that idea alive.

What a fine piece! You certainly are a shining example….[it] was uplifting and instructive.

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

This is absolutely beautiful and so incredibly helpful and inspiring! Thank you so much! ❤️

I think one reason I enjoy your blog is that you Stand Forth In All Your God-given Glory, expressing everything Good!

Thank you so much for this wonderful insight! You put into words what I have been grappling with for a long time. This is just what I needed today.

Polly, I just love your spirit, innovativeness, receptivity to beauty and to God’s goodness expressed. Thank you for your blog.

Thank you for all your uplifting daily contributions, wherever form they take – photos, recipes, artwork, book reviews and smiley faces!

I am grateful for the myriad ways you celebrate Life in your art, activities and relationships. Your blog is inspiring in its magnification of Soulful goodness!

You are doing so wonderfully at praising God with your talents.

You are … just plain wonderful, Polly! Your blog is bursting with poetry, art, writings, love of God, family, friends, all things great and wonderful and good!

Putting the art of poetry, photography and painting into your hands is God’s gift to us who get to read it and see it. Thanks.

This blog is a daily dose from an spiritually-oriented, artist, thinker, sage.

All of your work is eye and mind popping. I love it!

We are so blessed with your access to nature and your talent to communicate visually….

Thank you for introducing me to wonderful, amazing authors.
Love the pictures of your elegant flowers.

I love your swirling universes, the spirals that draw one in and introduce us to ourselves.

This is so well thought out and written. Thank you for this compelling essay. I agree with you on all points, Polly.

Love your pastels!

This blog is so prolific and original, inspiring and joy producing.

Everything on your site is so colorful, spiritual and alive!

Thank you so much for this thoughtful, informative and articulate book review, Polly!

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

These thoughts you shared are a keeper for me to revisit when in need. You are a blessing to many!

So beautiful and I have shared it with so many others. Thank you!

This is a fantastic article Polly…so much in it, I know I’ll have to re read it at least twice more!

WOW! Polly! Some truly marvelous work there!!!

Your food is presented in such an artistic way that it looks beautiful, wholesome and totally delicious!!

Thank you for the constant good thoughts and beautiful expressions of love and joy that you share on your blog.

Thank you Polly, for saying what needs to be said.

Wow, you outdid yourself this month with your Bits and Clips. It was a wonderful mix of beauty, humor, and thoughtfulness.

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

Thank you for all the inspiration you share so generously. I am deeply grateful!

Thank you! I enjoy reading your notes from the Bible Lesson. Your interpretation is helpful for my thought and I’m sure many others.

Beautiful photos! All that color, texture & gorgeous pattern….

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

I always appreciate your reviews. Our fave film in 2019 was The Green Book – which we watched following your recommendation.

I just adore all of your wonderful posts and everything that you share so generously. ????? You have a beautiful sense of soul that you share – it blesses me and so many!

I’ve just finished this book and I loved it! Thanks for recommending it.

I love your coffee cake recipe, I have a book list from your blog, I love the photos, the poems, the paintings, the movie reviews, the humor, the honesty, the color.

Thank you for writing this opinion so eloquently, Polly. You have addressed many nuances that I have been espousing for years, and your words are powerful and thought-provoking.

Thank you for your generosity and your overflowing sense of soul which you share so beautifully and articulately with everyone!!

Polly, I love your poem “you were never unwanted”. This poem really hit home. Thank you for your words of wisdom

Love all you do and express. You’re an amazing role model!!

I have to tell you that your spiritual to-do list was the springboard for a great talk with my older daughter. We are going to check on each other, and progress.

Polly, I am absolutely amazed. My mouth was watering! I’ll be thinking about it all night…and tomorrow we will break out the paints!

The last day of the month on your blog is always a BIG treat . . . This morning I went from fasting to feasting . . .

It’s a rare inspiration that can uncover an aching joy — but those poems do that. Thanks for sharing this with us.

This couldn’t possibly be more perfect, – so reassuring, and so fully expresses in every way what we all are praying for. Thank you for your a beautiful heart and generous giving of it!!

Wow!! I cannot wait to try this recipe! Thank you!

Thankful every morning to see another treasure from you in my emails !

This is relevant and an excellent way for me to look at some situations I have been in recently.
Thank you Polly.
I will continue to benefit…

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

Thank you for bringing your hydrangeas into my home via the internet. Other flowers are lovely too, but hydrangeas are SPECIAL.

That’s all very helpful for me today, Polly. Thanks for going deep on this. I’m sharing your joy in our Source.

Thank you Polly–you are always such a clear thinker and always willing to share your God-given gifts.

Synesthesia! I can taste the yellows and hear the oranges! A feast to the senses! Brava talented Polly

Thank you for this….I absolutely love reading it!

You are my favorite artist. I just have to say it. Your paintings make me so happy.

I just had to comment on today’s blog. I LOVED it! I have had similar thoughts for some time.

Thank you for sharing this quote. It is very appropriate for our times. A beautiful wake up call to change our thinking and focus on what is real and true.

Love your blog. Today’s was dynamite, and very helpful for understanding our role as individuals at this time.

I really enjoy reading your blog – but I have to say that your monthly ‘Bits and Clips’ posts and your ‘Grace Notes’ posts are my favorite :)

I made your fabulous Fish Tacos and they were BEYOND delicious!!

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

Your posts are treasure troves of your beautiful and giving heart.

I wanted you to know that I found the time I spent on your blog to be relaxing, refreshing, inspiring, and totally enjoyable.

Thanks for the nudge!

You continue to inspire, impress, and
amaze me, Polly.

Well Done! This is such a wonderful venture. Your work is just extraordinary!

Thank you for your efforts. I look forward to your positive thoughts and love.

Love the poem so so much and the first painting with the trees is INCREDIBLE!!

Thank you for your ultra positive, upbeat, cheering and cheerful expressions in so many forms. What great seeds to sow in world thought!

Wow! What a stunning collection of gorgeous images and though-provoking quotes. They made my day.

Beautiful and profoundly perfect for pandemic season, your poem empowers hope for what’s next. I plan to read it at Sunday Devotional. Thank you!

Neat! Love the black and white contrasts enhanced by the light.

Polly, please keep sharing these pages! I love seeing them. You inspired me to do the same thing.

You are such an inspiring person, Polly, and I love the variety of your activities you share with us all! Thank you so much.

These photos are so wonderful, it really warms the heart.

Outstanding message! And a sure “wake-up” call for me regarding mortal decline. I’m off on a refreshing direction. Thanks, Polly.

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

Polly, your reflection of Soul’s endless creativity is truly wonderful! Thank you for letting the divine shine through you so brightly!

Polly always captures the balance between what I can do, and all the miracles I am given.

These are awesome. You have such a gift for photography…and for pastels…and for cooking…and for finding interesting books…and, and, and. Where does it end?

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

Oh my gosh how did you know I needed this today? I am in absolute awe of your thorough and articulate way you describe how all of this works.

Glorious! Thank you for tending these lovely flowers together, and for posting on your blog, Polly.

What a stunning place! It is just a slice of heaven. Thank you for sharing its beauty.

Your site is bolstering my creative thoughts. I need to put them into action.

I want to express my gratitude to you for such a well thought out essay. I found it quite enriching and resonate with those true answers.

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

Well done Polly, I love your book reviews! Please carry on the good work of guiding our book choices.

Love your blog. Today’s is dynamite and very helpful to viewing our role as individuals at this time.

Thank you for using this platform to share these references for listening & learning. Now the work required to make a lasting change is up to each of us! ❤️

I truly love and am inspired by your blog, including capturing the beauty of life in the moment, teaching by example, taking time with children, and spirituality.

I am so totally impressed with your photography, poetry, and painting.Your talent is incredible!!!

Wow. Yes, quite something to contemplate. Thank you, Polly!!

Thank you for this. Read it. Gave me hope. Going through an “unsure” time. Thank you for these words of strength, hope, and faith.

Providing us with wonderful refreshment, enlightenment, peace, encouragement, joy,
and a whole lot more. Thanks, Polly!

WONDERFUL blog, Polly! Thank you for your spiritual calm, support for each of us, uninhibited creativity, and amazing paintings. I am just left in awe !

Very helpful in these seemingly uncertain times. I found a couple of specific ideas expressed here that apply to a specific situation in my life. Thank you!

Thank you so much for your fantastic, soulful images– your photos really capture the love, joy, camaraderie, power, and intensity of the present moment.

I love this poem! Letting our true, authentic self come forth! Yes!! Thank you for all the delightful imagery!

Thank you for bringing to light and sharing an undeniably important part of the one stupendous whole we all share…the countless ways beyond sight, and not to be missed, always at hand.

I love your website, messages, poems and art. Thank you for the blessing of community that you provide.

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

Your photos have opened my eyes to the beauty surrounding us everywhere.

Thank you for your efforts. I look forward to your positive thoughts and love.

Your multiple images and vocabulary choices give energy and renewed resolve to flagging spirits. Thank you for sharing.

I enjoy your strong, bold artwork– there is so much going on in them that my imagination takes off. I really appreciate your blog. It brings joy every day.

I for one want to thank you so much for writing this blog. I started about a year ago and look forward to reading it every day. I feel like an armchair adventurer…

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

Perspective is everything – and choosing a liberating one blesses everyone, as you point out!

I’m new to your site and I love today’s post about being grateful!

Love this– actually so “timely” for what I have been thinking about lately.

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

Your zest for the good things in life makes me feel happy too!

Your photos are so vivid and expressive and inspiring and artistic and alive!

Thank you Polly for sharing those wise words! I heartily agree with them all now I have a bigger perspective on life.

This blog is simultaneously simple and profound– a perfect, balanced combination of seriousness and light.

You share so freely, with so so so much love and joy and an open-open-heart…

I get so happy when I see your paintings. I really do. They bring me such joy. I feel your heart when I see them.

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

Absolutely stunning, Polly. I love the infinite range of ideas, expression, and media in this BIG blog of yours.

You are so incredibly sweet, gracious, kind, thoughtful, creative, generous, joyful, witty, courageous, tender, persistent, compassionate, brilliant, articulate, ad infinitum!

Wish I had gotten this message 75 years ago. It makes so much sense and would have saved me a lot of self criticism. I love your blog.

Magnificent poem. How blest you are to be a poet, photographer, artist, metaphysician, all wrapped up into One.

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

Graciously and lovingly spoken, like a true friend to all. Thank you for your blog Polly.

Thank you for sharing the joy of your trip with us. I feel blessed this morning to know you in all the ways you reveal good and magnify it.

You are an inspiration to me, and I’m sure to many others. With appreciation for all you do to magnify good!

Thanks for sharing from the seat of your soul with generosity and openness.

I have just started this book and am really loving it! Thank you so much for recommending it.

Polly, what amazing and timely insight in these wise words! Thanks for sharing this wisdom.

Polly this is absolutely exquisite and so inspiring. I will refer to it often.

I am touched by this well thought out, well written essay. You have put into words what so many of us have in our minds and hearts. Thank you!

Love your blog’s colour and joyfulness and the inspiring leads, Polly. Easy to see why you are much loved. Thank you.

I LOVE THIS BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just want to say that I have really been enjoying your blog! It gives me hope for the world…

Keep up the good work. You are an inspiration! I love reading your blog with it’s many insights.

It is always refreshing to see the loves, joys, challenges, and triumphs that you share on your blog.

The Spirit at work is so well described here. In between the lines I read that
our only true peace is in pleasing Our Creator! Thank you deeply, Polly!

Thank you sincerely for your joyful out-pouring of love, light, color, comforting, inspiring words…

The Brussels sprouts were an exceptionally BIG hit here…. could you direct me to more literature on spiritual healing?

Your blog is uplifting and enlightening, and seems to speak to me just when I need it most.

A powerful message. Thank you for getting it out there.

Really enjoyed your poem on Animal magnetism. Very clear truths. Thank you. Your vibrant art work is superb.

Thanks so much for this recommendation Polly. We watched in awe … and have recommended in turn.

I love your blog! I shared it with my mom, an artist, and she is impressed with your art. I’ve also spent time studying your paintings. Just listened to your interview, it was stellar! Thank you!!

Yummy and beautiful! I love all the colors and this food looks amazing! The plates too!

Thank you for revealing this idea you’ve been following. I can tell when an angel has tapped me on the shoulder–it feels light and right and fun.

Thank you for focusing in on and capturing the little things we so often pass by and/or take for granted.

Thank you for this exercise in balance, Polly. Helps a lot!

I am a silent regular reader of your daily blog, and I’m finally in touch to tell you how much I like it. I love it!

You are such an inspirational person Polly! I love everything you share with us – such a joy to have your daily input in my inbox! X x x

Thank you for your burst of sunshine reflected in your positivity this morning… I look forward to your blogs.

Your abstracts are interesting and you have a unique style that is all your own. Original, demonstrating individuality and confidence! I see joy and love expressed.

Thank you for sharing such a personal, and at the same time, universal, love of beauty.

Every day I look forward to your blog. It’s encouraging me to find ways to express what God reveals in me.

I am one of your readers who definitely looks forward to a positive message from you every morning. You grow people.

Thank you for sharing yourself and creativity in such a transparent way, it is very inspiring and humbling to me.

Thanks, Polly, for listening so carefully and sharing so selflessly.

Your blog is full of the wonderful, multilayered colors and textures that you play with, and share so unselfishly with the world.

This is one of the BEST explanations of one’s understanding of God I have seen in a long time. The image paired with the text was spot on!

I feel such gratitude for the beautiful way in which you express God. Thanks for blessing my life and being such a shining light in the world!

Thank you for your transparency of love, your generous sharing of what you are pondering and doing.

I recently I recommended your blog to a friend saying, “She’s like a dear friend, she just doesn’t know me.” Thank you for all the delight you add to my days!

I enjoy your blog so much. But today you are on top. Every thought you expressed so lovingly…. some very funny but always with love. Thank you for all you bring to so many .

Excellent post, dear Polly! Thanks!! There is lots that I relate to in your comments!

Polly your blog is simply a marvelously enriching, thought provoking part of the daily wonders of life! I give thanks for you and the blog!

What a breath of fresh air!! Thank you for your honesty, integrity and willingness to speak out for Truth and Justice!!!

Without a doubt my life has been enriched and uplifted by my acquaintance with you through your blogs. Every day I look for the interesting ideas you amplify and the lovely arts you share with us. I am never disappointed.

Today’s post was a Gift from God. Opening your email this morning truly lifted my Spirit. Thank you.

Polly, your wonderful blog is doing more than its bit in this dreadful time. Thanks, and keep on keeping on!

You have a great eye for beauty Polly. I love your blog.

Absolutely beautiful!!! I love these particular colors together and the different styles and techniques really give it a lot of depth and texture. Brilliant!!!!

Way to go on your artistic journey. You show great courage, humility, and such support for everyone around you.

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

I loved this post! It gave me much to think about. Thank you for being such a beautiful and prolific source of inspiration. You are a wonder! I’m a fan!

I have tremendous admiration for your strength, your depth, your compassion, your passion and your love. You are a woman deeply filled to the brim…

I so enjoyed your trip blog. The outstanding photos and the amazing narratives made me feel I was on vacation for a few minutes each day.

Thank you so.much, Polly. It says with abundant clarity what thousands upon thousands of thoughtful men and women think and believe. I appreciate you!!

I LOVE YOU!!

You amuse-inspire-edify-entertain-inform-uplift-enhance-educate-color!-…my days!

Grace is a beautiful quality and you exude it in spades – thanks so much for all you do and are! You are a treasure!

My mother adores your blog and speaks to me often about what recent nugget you shared which she thought was wonderful!

I can’t tell you how helpful this has been to me today. I must’ve read it half a dozen times or more. It’s helping me with a great challenge. Thank you!

Thank you for your commitment to reality and our true nature!

I love your Blog, Polly!! Therefore, I love you! Your art, your poetry, your philosophy, your religion, your book reviews, your photography, your … husband!

Hi Polly, loved this poem. It radiates hope and feeling of calmness. I am glad I came across these beautiful words. Keep posting similar reads and spreading positivity.

Love the photos, as usual. You are a Creative Genius, Polly.

Thank you for bringing your beautiful great outdoors into my world.
You do a great job taking pictures. The colors are so vibrant and I like that you notice
shadows.

I appreciate your blog. It’s a breath of fresh air, beauty, and innovative thinking!

Illuminating thoughts, thank you for sharing them. Very clear.

When you get famous, I need to be the president of your fan club.

I have so enjoyed your recent posts– about your garden, your reflections about parenting, your vibrant artwork– so many wonderful expressions of Spirit.

This is absolutely magnificent. Bless your precious and beautiful soul for sharing this.

I just love your photos, Polly. Whether it’s food or art or nature . . . They are always so beautiful and interesting and full of life !

Beautiful photos. It is uplifting and energizing to see such bright, cheerful, healthy and fresh images. Thanks, I needed that!

Thank you Polly for your radiant joy and embrace of each of us, wrapping us in your color and beauty of Soul.

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

This blog deeply resonates while being beautiful, delicious, inspiring, and fun. Not easy to do!

You encourage me to grow with your everyday wisdom and your lovely contributions.

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

Yes indeed! You are a shining light and you are definitely using all your wonderful talents

Thanks, Polly! Your zest for the good things in life makes me feel happy too!

Thank you Polly!! This has needed to be said for a while!

I think you have covered absolutely every way anyone would wish to be blessed

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

This is such a beautiful and loving blog and feels much like your amazing dynamic spiritual art. You are proving and sharing truth in a precious, creative, encouraging, and heartfelt way. You inspire me!

Just beautiful, Polly. So honest and uplifting. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and the helpful ones of others.

What an inspiring and uplifting painting. Thanks for sharing your inspiration with the world!

Helen Frankenthaler’s works were interesting, but I like your abstracts better.

I love the photos – such a gift which makes me feel closer to Fall, my favorite season.

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

I’m so grateful to be able to enjoy all you so generously share on your blog, the colorful photos, the recipes, the art works, the insights, the book reviews and so much more!

Thank you for Saying So Well What Needs To Be SAID!

Hoping others can/will read this…

What a beautiful spirit you have, shining right through your source.

Polly lets her spirituality into her art as you can see in the many abstract paintings she creates. We were wowed by her ability and her encouragement of others to express themselves artistically.

Once again, you have come through for us with such clear and coherent thinking and put into words the feelings in our hearts.

You are such a gem Polly- it is an incredible blessing to daily read your blog!

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Archives

Recent Posts

  • How to Read a Book (Book Review)
  • Corn Risotto (Recipe)
  • Renovating our Side Porch (Before and After Photos)
  • Days are Getting Shorter (New Poem by Polly Castor with Photos)
  • My Favorite Paintings from the 2026 Fall IAPS Show
  • Cornell 7 and Rape Culture (Bits and Clips)
  • Vegetable Curry with Cod (Recipe)
  • Shady Hollow Series (Book Review)
  • Into the Autumn Field (New Landscape Painting in Oil)
  • Sunset Quote by Elizabeth Strout (with Sunset Photos)

Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

  • Delighted to Meet Our First Grand Nephew →

  • Quote About Clearing Clutter →

  • Stony Creek Sunset →

  • Farmer’s Market Flowers (Photos 2023) →

  • September Produce from our Garden, and Flowers in our Yard →

  • To Be of Use (Poem by Marge Piercy) →

  • Joy is an Act of Resistence (New Poem by Polly Castor) →

  • A Tribute to Wayne Dyer in Memes →

  • Spring Morning After Rain (New Poem by Polly Castor with Spring Flower Photos from our Yard) →

  • Early Vibrant Vines →

Favorite Books

Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
Hints on Child Training: A Book That's Been Helping Parents Like Your...for More Than 100 Years
The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals
 
Polly Castor's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists
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